Faculty AI Secures NHS Contract for Predictive Modeling

Faculty, an artificial intelligence startup supported by venture capital, has been selected by the National Health Service (NHS) to enhance its predictive capabilities. This initiative will leverage data accumulated during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic to anticipate future patient needs.

Funding and Valuation

In December 2019, Faculty successfully completed a Series A funding round, securing $10.5 million in investment. This funding came from U.K.-based venture capital firms including Local Globe, GMG Ventures, and Jaan Tallinn, a founding engineer of Skype. The investment resulted in a company valuation of approximately $100 million.

Expanding the Early Warning System

Faculty will collaborate with NHS England and NHS Improvement to further develop the Early Warning System (EWS) initially created for the NHS during the pandemic.

The EWS, built on Bayesian hierarchical modeling, utilizes aggregated data – such as COVID-19 case numbers, calls to the 111 service, and mobility patterns – to alert hospitals to potential surges in patient volume. This allows for proactive resource allocation, including staff, beds, and essential equipment.

The system’s application will now broaden beyond pandemic-specific responses. It will be employed to improve overall service delivery, enhance patient care, and forecast demand in areas like Accident & Emergency departments and during periods of heightened winter pressures.

Previous Collaborations

Faculty previously partnered with NHSX in the development of the National COVID-19 Chest Imaging Database (NCCID), contributing to the NHS AI Lab’s efforts.

Diverse Client Portfolio

Beyond the healthcare sector, Faculty has reportedly provided AI solutions to the U.K. Home Office for application to its database of individuals flagged as potential terrorists. Additionally, the company has worked with organizations such as the BBC and easyJet.

Faculty vs. Palantir

Richard Sargeant, COO of Faculty, addressed comparisons to Palantir, another company involved in NHS data analysis. He stated that Faculty is a highly effective and scalable AI firm, with operations extending beyond the U.K. to include the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Sargeant differentiated Faculty from Palantir, asserting that Palantir primarily focuses on data engineering, while Faculty specializes in artificial intelligence. He emphasized Faculty’s commitment to improving outcomes for citizens and customers.

Distinct Roles in Data Management

Sargeant explained that Palantir’s strength lies in establishing data pipelines and consolidating data from disparate sources. He described the NHS data landscape as fragmented, existing in numerous separate locations.

He highlighted that Faculty’s EWS distinguishes itself through its use of explainability, providing clinicians and managers with insights into the reasoning behind the model’s forecasts. This feature represents a cutting-edge approach within the field.

A Unique Business Model

When questioned about attracting venture capital despite not offering a traditionally scalable product, Sargeant acknowledged the unconventional nature of Faculty’s business model.

He explained that AI solutions are rarely “one-size-fits-all” and often require customization. Faculty combines reusable core components with bespoke model development, creating a hybrid approach.

Past Controversies

Faculty has faced scrutiny regarding its government contracts. Last year, it was revealed that a U.K. cabinet minister held £90,000 worth of shares in Faculty at the time the company was awarded a £2.3 million contract from NHSX to manage the NHS COVID-19 Data Store.